View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bassey reveal has happened to Agnes?

2. How much is the Von Struikers’ land worth now?

3. What hides the stain on Hortensia’s bedroom wall?

4. What does Aggie say to Marion as she leaves the library?

5. What does Hortensia do that causes Marion to move out?

Short Essay Questions

1. What motivates Hortensia to contact Esme?

2. How does Marion feel to be staying in No. 10 Katterijn Avenue?

3. What is the arrangement when Marion moves into Hortensia’s house?

4. How does Peter feel about Hortensia’s career?

5. Why might Aggie have said “There’s blood here, Marion” (169)?

6. How does Chapter Sixteen show Marion develop?

7. How does architecture tie into Marion’s racism?

8. How do Hortensia and Marion’s perspectives on housekeepers differ?

9. Why does Marion share the story about Alberta?

10. Why does Marion struggle to admit her feelings to Ludmilla?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Hortensia’s perception of and struggles with the concept of motherhood. How does this compare to Marion’s struggle?

Essay Topic 2

At the beginning of the novel Marion is undoubtedly racist, but by the end of the novel she admits to having a problem. How and why does Marion change? Do you think this change will last? Provide evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 3

The reader never sees Peter or Max in the present tense. Why do you think the author chose to relegate the husbands to flashbacks only?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 620 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample